Man who killed son will not be prosecuted

Man insisted he shot son in self-defense

One year ago, Robert Moo­dy was facing a murder charge in the death of his son and fighting for his life from injuries caused by his son. Now, District Attorney Ash­­ley Wright says the case against him has been dropped.

Investigators had said murder warrants were issued because it appeared Rob­ert Moo­dy had enough time to seek help from authorities but didn’t call 911.

According to information obtained by the district attorney’s office Thursday, the warrants were dismissed Jan. 10 because “there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Moody was arrested May 28, 2012, after he fatally shot his 23-year-old son, Rocky, in the chest with a .30-30 rifle, police said.

Moody told police he fired in self-defense after years of suffering abuse from his son.

Soon after his arrest, Moody underwent several surgeries for necrotizing fasciitis, sometimes referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria,” that is believed to have been caused by bites from his son. His family said Moody suffered a heart attack after one of the surgeries.

According to reports obtained through an open records request, police had been called to the Moody home several times over the years after the son hit and, in most cases, bit his father.

In one instance, Rocky Moody knocked over the Christ­mas tree and hit his mother with a towel after she refused to turn off the washing machine and dishwasher, which forced him to take a cold shower.

The problems came to a head last May when Rocky Moody went out with a longtime friend and drank. On the way back, they argued about cigarettes, and Rocky hit the driver; the vehicle crashed into a tree in the Moodys’ front yard.

Witnesses told police the fight continued, but it was aimed at his father. Robert Moo­dy told police that Rocky assaulted him until he took shelter in a closet with his rifle.

When his son opened the closet door, he fired a shot into Rocky’s chest. Moody told police he feared for his life and was tired of fighting with his son.

At the house, deputies saw Rocky Moody’s friend with bruises, scratches and a black eye that was swollen shut. His father had bite wounds to the thigh, forearm, upper arm and back, and cuts to his face, head, neck and back.

Rocky Moody had a history of charges in Richmond and Columbia counties, including driving under the influence, theft by taking, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, aggravated assault and simple battery.

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"Why was he ever charged in the first place?"
Burden of proof is necessary. Charging requires "probable cause"...falling somewhere between mere suspicion and absolute certainty. Burden of proof for conviction is "beyond a reasonable doubt." Charges are dropped all the time when the prosecution weighs the costs and benefits of taking the case to trial based on the burden necessary to convict.

I am glad for Mr Moody's sake that this chapter in his life is now over. He already has a "life sentence" on him dealing with what he had to do. He didn't need the added burden of an overzealous DA charging him unnecessarily. The evidence stated in the article alone would suggest self defense. Even Stevie Wonder could see that. I wish the best to this man in hopes of getting some type of order back into his life.

Damn, people, read the article: "Investigators had said murder warrants were issued because it appeared Rob­ert Moo­dy had enough time to seek help from authorities but didn’t call 911."
Following further investigation, apparently, it was found not to have been the case...or determined that it could not proved beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are pleased with the outcome, then be satisfied justice was done in this case. A homicide, justifiably or not, requires some careful work on the part of prosecutors....we can talk about over zealousness on maybe some illicit drug or other victimless crimes.

I did not respond comment because I told the reporter
I didn't want anything printed. I want to leave it alone.
We are trying to move ahead with our lives SO PLEASE let Rocky rest in peace! We live with it every day, we don't need it plastered in the media.
Please leave us alone and don't indulge with comments good or bad, just let it go!
Thank you
Robert Moody

My one and only comment about this case: God Bless this family and I pray for what they've already been through. That being said, I kept up with this through a mutual friend. It truly is never completely over for the ones who loved their son no matter what. I ask God to touch them constantly and protect them from more hurt and sadness from people who don't know and understand. We are all quick to pass judgement when we haven't lived the situtation and even sometimes when we have we think we have the right answers. I promise you, I don't, we don't. Only God fixes things in our hearts and lives and helps us to continue on.

looks like mr. moody (robert) did himself and society a big favor, now he does not have to live in fear any longer and society will not have to pay to house, feed, or clothe "ole rocky"..putting you hand on a parent with the intent to harm them...he got what he deserved now come judgement day it will be him (rocky) that will have to answer why he chose to "dishonor" his parents (5th commandment)